AusCycling pays tribute to Melissa Hoskins

AusCycling has paid tribute to Melissa Dennis (née Hoskins) following the tragic death of the 32-year-old on December 31.

Hoskins was hit by a driver close to her family home on December 30 and died the following day as a result of her injuries. Her husband and recently retired pro, Rohan Dennis, was reportedly arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life. He has been released on bail until March 13, at which point he will appear at Adelaide Magistrates Court.

Read more: Rohan Dennis charged in relation to the death of his wife Melissa Hoskins

In a statement released on New Year’s Day, AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner described how Hoskins had been an inspiration to others and had left a lasting impression on the road and track scenes that she graced.

“It was with shock and sorrow that we learned of Melissa Hoskins’ tragic death,” said Fechner.

“Melissa, a mother, daughter, and wife, was also a champion cyclist who thrilled and inspired us with her exquisite skills on the track and road. Melissa began her competitive cycling career at just 16, and by the time she retired at the age of 25 she had shown the world that she was an athlete of rare prowess.”

Hoskins was a major force on the road and track scenes during her career. She won multiple titles, including a gold medal at the UCI Track World Championships in 2015 as part of the Australian women’s squad in the team pursuit. The same team broke the then world record and Hoskins also made two appearances at the Olympic Games, first in London in 2012 and then four years later in Rio.

In 2012 she signed for the Orica-AIS team and spent four successful seasons on the team, winning the Tour of Chongming Island in her first year on the squad, and winning two silvers and a bronze medal in the team time trial at the UCI Road World Championships between 2012 and 2014.

She retired from professional sport in 2017 and married Dennis the following year. They had two children together and moved back to Australia to raise their family.

For many within the cycling communities of both Australia and Europe, Hoskins was far more than just a competitive athlete. Tributes have poured in over the last 24 hours and will continue to do so in the coming days. Fechner highlighted the impact Hoskins had on those around her, and not just her impressive athletic achievements.

“As a member of the Australian Cycling Team she demonstrated elite endurance on the track and earned podium finishes in both team and individual events nationally and internationally. Melissa described her Team Pursuit Gold Medal at the 2015 UCI Track Cycling World Championships as the highlight of her career, but for the rest of us, the highlight was just having her around,” Fechner added.

“Although she retired in 2017, her presence as an alumnus of the sport has been felt and appreciated by many in the cycling and riding community. AusCycling extends its deepest sympathies to Melissa’s family, friends, and former teammates and will determine an appropriate way to memorialise her and her contribution to our sport in the coming days.”

© Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images

Melissa Hoskins with her teammates at the 2014 UCI Road World Championships

Former teammates and colleagues also used social media to express their sadness and grief following Hoskins' death.

Anna Meares, who won multiple medals on the track and was the Australian flag bearer at the Rio Games in 2016, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share her feelings.

“I have a very heavy heart. My thoughts are with their children, family and fellow friends. This is a very difficult and tragic time. RIP Melissa Hoskins,” she wrote.

Media outlet, Voxwomen, also paid tribute to Hoskins.

“Melissa Dennis née Hoskins, our friend and a champion bike rider. A Team Pursuit World Champion, she also took several medals at various Track World Championship events, as well as on the road. You will be missed by us all. Rest in peace.”